The breakthrough means that future missions will be able to print essentials for repairs such as spare parts for rockets.

It's a significant discovery because researchers say they can't carry everything out to space, and if they forget a tool on a mission they can't come back to get it.

Taking materials out there is also hugely expensive, noted the study's authors: it costs $54,000 to put just one kilogram (2.2 lb) of material into the Earth's orbit.

As a result, researchers at Washington State University in the US believe 3D-printing is the burgeoning field that could be the answer to make space travel cheaper and easier.

The team discovered small amounts of simulated crushed Martian rock, mixed with titanium alloy, made a strong, high-performance material that could be used to make tools and rocket parts on the red planet.

They made tools using between 5% and 100% Martian regolith, a black powdery substance intended to imitate the rocky, inorganic material on Mars' surface that could be collected by a robotic arm or rover.

When it came to adding just 5% of Martian dust in the mix, there were no cracks or bubbles and it was far better than just titanium alloys.

They believe this combination could be used to build lighter weight pieces still capable of carrying heavy loads.